Fans pack Modesto bars as Mexico reaches World Cup Round of 16 after 40 years

Restaurants and bars across Modesto were full of energy and excitement Tuesday night as Mexico national football team fans watched El Tri advance to the Round of 16 after a 2-0 win over Ecuador.

CasaMaestros, a Mexican restaurant downtown, was standing-room only. Fans in Mexico jerseys, luchador masks and shades of red, white and green watched on two large TVs above the bar. Patrons chanted, danced at halftime, cheered for goals and yelled when Mexican players were fouled or the livestream froze.

Saida Alvarez said the energy was infectious. “We don’t even know the people here, but we feel like we can connect with them,“Alvarez said.

Marcelo Gonzalez said he watched last week’s game in San Jose, and the energy in Modesto was the same. He said it was nice to see everyone out to support the team. Mexico’s win ended 40 years of knockout-round losses for the team in the World Cup.

“It’s where my parents are from,” he said. “I love Mexico.”

The CasaMaestros watch party was a first for Kobe Sayas, who said he’s not a huge soccer fan. He said he supports the team to celebrate his Mexican culture.

“It’s very fun to watch, especially when your team and, like, your culture is a part of that team,” Sayas said. “I’m very proud to be Mexican.”

Fans also flocked to P. Wexford’s Pub on McHenry Avenue to watch Mexico dominate Ecuador. Veronica Tapia said she chose P. Wexford’s because it’s a great environment and the food is amazing. After four games, she said she is impressed with Mexico’s performance.

“They’re doing really, really well,” she said. “It’s looking like our chances are pretty good.”

Mexico will play next at 5 p.m. Sunday. It will face England, who defeated DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

Previously, Mexico defeated Czechia 3-0, South Korea 1-0 and South Africa 2-0. It has yet to concede a goal this World Cup.